This document discusses the views of early Christian figures known as the Church Fathers on the inspiration and authority of the Bible. It outlines that the Apostolic and Sub-Apostolic Fathers from around 70-150 AD viewed the New Testament writings as Scripture. It then examines views from the Ante-Nicene and Nicene Fathers from 150-350 AD, as well as the Great Medieval Church Teachers from 350-1350 AD, finding that they overwhelmingly affirmed the divine inspiration of both the Old and New Testaments and regarded them as the authoritative word of God.

1. Norman Geisler
Systematic Theology I
Chapter Seventeen
“Church Fathers on the Bible”
PowerPoint Prepared by Mark E. Hardgrove, D.Min., Ph.D. 2010

2. “The history of the ChristianThe history of the Christian
church is in overwhelming supportchurch is in overwhelming support
of what the Bible claims for itself,of what the Bible claims for itself,
namely, to the divinely inspired,namely, to the divinely inspired,
infallible, and inerrant word ofinfallible, and inerrant word of
God.”God.”
• ~Norman Geisler, p. 211

3. THE APOSTOLIC AND
SUB-APOSTOLIC FATHER’S
VIEW OF SCRIPTURE
(C. A.D. 70- C. 150)

4. Epistle of Pseudo-Barnabas
(c. 70-130)
• So titled because wrongly ascribed toSo titled because wrongly ascribed to
Paul’s first associate.Paul’s first associate.
• Cites the Gospel of Matthew (26:3) afterCites the Gospel of Matthew (26:3) after
stating that it is what “God saith” (5:12).stating that it is what “God saith” (5:12).
• Also refers to the Gospel of MatthewAlso refers to the Gospel of Matthew
(22:14) by the NT title “Scripture” in 4:14.(22:14) by the NT title “Scripture” in 4:14.

5. Epistle to the Corinthians
(c. 95-97)
• A contemporary of the apostles, wroteA contemporary of the apostles, wrote
after Paulafter Paul
• Quotes the Synoptic Gospels (Matt. 9:13;Quotes the Synoptic Gospels (Matt. 9:13;
Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32) after calling themMark 2:17; Luke 5:32) after calling them
“Scripture”.“Scripture”.
• Appeals to “the Holy Scriptures”, whichAppeals to “the Holy Scriptures”, which
are true, given by the Holy Spirit (chapterare true, given by the Holy Spirit (chapter
45).45).

6. Epistle to the Philippians
(c. 110-135)
• Polycarp, a disciple of apostle JohnPolycarp, a disciple of apostle John
• Referred to the NT several times in his epistle.Referred to the NT several times in his epistle.
• Introduced Galatians 4:26 as “the word ofIntroduced Galatians 4:26 as “the word of
truth” (chapter 3).truth” (chapter 3).
• Presents citations of Philippians 2:26 and 2Presents citations of Philippians 2:26 and 2
Timothy 4:10 as “the word of righteousness”Timothy 4:10 as “the word of righteousness”
(chapter 9).(chapter 9).
• Cites OT and NT passages as “the Scriptures.”Cites OT and NT passages as “the Scriptures.”

7. Papias
(c. 130-140)
• Wrote 5 books titledWrote 5 books titled Exposition of theExposition of the
Oracles of the Lord.Oracles of the Lord.
• Oracles of the Lord, is the title Paul usedOracles of the Lord, is the title Paul used
for the OT.for the OT.
• Reveals Papias’ high regard for the NT asReveals Papias’ high regard for the NT as
the very word of God.the very word of God.

8. Other Early Writings
• Other early works also cite the NT:Other early works also cite the NT:
• Ignatius of Antioch (d. 110)Ignatius of Antioch (d. 110)
• The Shepherd of HermasThe Shepherd of Hermas (c. 115-140)(c. 115-140)
• The DidacheThe Didache (c. 100-120)(c. 100-120)
Taken together these early witnesses revealTaken together these early witnesses reveal
that by A.D. 150 the early church (Eastthat by A.D. 150 the early church (East
and West), accepted the NT as Scripture.and West), accepted the NT as Scripture.

9. THE ANTE-NICENE AND
NICENE FATHER’S VIEW
OF SCRIPTURE
(C. 150-C. 350)

10. Justin Martyr
(d. 165)
• Wrote his firstWrote his first ApologyApology (c. 150-155)(c. 150-155)
• Spoke of the Gospels as the “Voice ofSpoke of the Gospels as the “Voice of
God” (chapter 65).God” (chapter 65).
• Called the words of the Gospels asCalled the words of the Gospels as
originating from “the Divine Word whichoriginating from “the Divine Word which
moves them” (1.36).moves them” (1.36).
• Said Moses wrote by “divine inspiration”.Said Moses wrote by “divine inspiration”.

11. Tatian
(c. 110-180)
• A disciple of Justin, Tatian called John 1:5A disciple of Justin, Tatian called John 1:5
“Scripture.”“Scripture.”
• Wrote a harmony of the Gospels called,Wrote a harmony of the Gospels called,
DiatessaronDiatessaron (c. 150-160).(c. 150-160).

12. Irenaeus
(c. 130-202)
• Reported to have heard the teachings ofReported to have heard the teachings of
Polycarp, who was a disciple of apostlePolycarp, who was a disciple of apostle
John.John.
• InIn Against HeresiesAgainst Heresies (3.1.1) Irenaeus refers(3.1.1) Irenaeus refers
to the divine authority of the NT.to the divine authority of the NT.
• Affirmed his belief in the inerrancy ofAffirmed his belief in the inerrancy of
Scripture.Scripture.

13. Clement of Alexandria
(c. 150-215)
• Held to a strict doctrine of inspiration.Held to a strict doctrine of inspiration.
• Called the Gospel, “Scripture” in the sameCalled the Gospel, “Scripture” in the same
sense as the Law and the Prophets.sense as the Law and the Prophets.
• He condemned those who reject ScriptureHe condemned those who reject Scripture
because “they are not pleased with thebecause “they are not pleased with the
divine commands, that is, with the Holydivine commands, that is, with the Holy
Spirit.”Spirit.”

14. Tertullian
(c. 160-220)
• Maintained that the four Gospels “areMaintained that the four Gospels “are
reared on the certain basis of Apostolicreared on the certain basis of Apostolic
authority, and are inspired in a far differentauthority, and are inspired in a far different
sense from the writings of the spiritualsense from the writings of the spiritual
Christian; all the faithful, it is true, have theChristian; all the faithful, it is true, have the
Spirit of God, not all are Apostles.”Spirit of God, not all are Apostles.”

15. Hippolytus
(c. 170-236)
• Speaking of the inspiration of the OT, heSpeaking of the inspiration of the OT, he
said, “The Law and the Prophets weresaid, “The Law and the Prophets were
from God . . .”from God . . .”
• Speaking of NT writers he declared,Speaking of NT writers he declared,
“These blessed men . . . having been“These blessed men . . . having been
perfected by the Spirit of Prophesy . . .perfected by the Spirit of Prophesy . . .
were brought to an inner harmony likewere brought to an inner harmony like
instruments, and having the Word of Godinstruments, and having the Word of God
within them . . .”within them . . .”

16. Origen
(c. 185-254)
• Origen held that God “gave the law, andOrigen held that God “gave the law, and
the prophets, and the Gospels, being alsothe prophets, and the Gospels, being also
the God of the apostles and the Old andthe God of the apostles and the Old and
New Testaments.”New Testaments.”
• ““Scriptures were written by the Spirit ofScriptures were written by the Spirit of
God, and have a meaning . . . not knownGod, and have a meaning . . . not known
to all, but to those only on whom the graceto all, but to those only on whom the grace
of the Holy Spirit is bestowed.”of the Holy Spirit is bestowed.”

17. Cyprian
(c. 200-258)
• In his treatiseIn his treatise The Unity of the CatholicThe Unity of the Catholic
ChurchChurch, he appeals to the Gospels as, he appeals to the Gospels as
authoritative, referring to them asauthoritative, referring to them as
“commandments of Christ.”“commandments of Christ.”
• Other writing he views authoritativeOther writing he views authoritative
include Paul’s epistles to the Ephesiansinclude Paul’s epistles to the Ephesians
and 1 Corinthians.and 1 Corinthians.

18. Eusebius of Caesarea
(c. 263 or 265-340)
• Held to the inspiration of the Old and NewHeld to the inspiration of the Old and New
Testaments.Testaments.
• Wrote much about God’s Word in hisWrote much about God’s Word in his
Ecclesiastical History.Ecclesiastical History.
• Was a tremendous defender of Scripture,Was a tremendous defender of Scripture,
writing extensively on the topic.writing extensively on the topic.

19. Athanasius of Alexandria
(c. 295-373)
• Known as the “Father of Orthodoxy”Known as the “Father of Orthodoxy”
because of his successful stand againstbecause of his successful stand against
arianism (heresy denying Christ’s deity).arianism (heresy denying Christ’s deity).
• Was the first to use the term “canon” inWas the first to use the term “canon” in
reference to the NT books.reference to the NT books.
• Called the NT books “the fountains ofCalled the NT books “the fountains of
salvation.”salvation.”

20. Cyril of Jerusalem
(c. 315-386)
• Offered what he called a summary of “theOffered what he called a summary of “the
whole doctrine of the Faith” that “has beenwhole doctrine of the Faith” that “has been
built up strongly out of all the Scriptures.”built up strongly out of all the Scriptures.”
• He speaks of “the divinely-inspiredHe speaks of “the divinely-inspired
Scriptures of both the Old and NewScriptures of both the Old and New
Testaments”Testaments”
• He lists all the books of the OT and all theHe lists all the books of the OT and all the
books of the NT except Revelation.books of the NT except Revelation.

21. Summary
• Virtually every early church FatherVirtually every early church Father
enthusiastically adhered to the doctrine ofenthusiastically adhered to the doctrine of
the inspiration of the Old and Newthe inspiration of the Old and New
Testaments alike.Testaments alike.
• The Father of the early church believedThe Father of the early church believed
that both the Old and New Testamentsthat both the Old and New Testaments
were the inspired writings of the Holy Spiritwere the inspired writings of the Holy Spirit
through the instrumentality of prophetsthrough the instrumentality of prophets
and apostles.and apostles.

22. THE GREAT MEDIEVAL
CHURCH TEACHERS’ VIEW
OF SCRIPTURE
(C. 350-1350)

23. Ambrose of Milan
(340-397)
• Had the distinction of mentoring the greatHad the distinction of mentoring the great
Father of the medieval church, Augustine.Father of the medieval church, Augustine.
• In hisIn his LettersLetters, cites Matthew 22:21 by, cites Matthew 22:21 by
using the familiar introductory statementusing the familiar introductory statement
for divinely inspired writing, “It is written . .”for divinely inspired writing, “It is written . .”
• Appeals to “The Divine Scriptures” inAppeals to “The Divine Scriptures” in
defending the faith against the followers ofdefending the faith against the followers of
Arianism.Arianism.

24. Jerome
(340-420)
• Next to Origen, Jerome was the greatestNext to Origen, Jerome was the greatest
biblical scholar of the early church.biblical scholar of the early church.
• His writings include many references toHis writings include many references to
the “Holy Scriptures” and to their authority.the “Holy Scriptures” and to their authority.
• He refers to the apostle Paul as aHe refers to the apostle Paul as a
“repertory of the Law and of the holy“repertory of the Law and of the holy
scriptures.”scriptures.”

25. The Syrian School
• Includes John Chrysostom (c. 347-407)Includes John Chrysostom (c. 347-407)
and Theodore of Mopsuestia (c. 350-428).and Theodore of Mopsuestia (c. 350-428).
• Theodore and his contemporaries heldTheodore and his contemporaries held
that the primary author of all Scripture wasthat the primary author of all Scripture was
the Holy Spirit.the Holy Spirit.

26. Augustine of Hippo
(354-430)
• Augustine was the greatest theologian ofAugustine was the greatest theologian of
the early Middle Ages, and one of thethe early Middle Ages, and one of the
greatest of all time.greatest of all time.
• He completely endorsed the claims of theHe completely endorsed the claims of the
NT for its inspiration.NT for its inspiration.
• He indicates the authority of Scripture inHe indicates the authority of Scripture in
contrast to all other writings, asserting thecontrast to all other writings, asserting the
truth, authority, and divine origin oftruth, authority, and divine origin of
Scripture.Scripture.

27. Gregory I
(“The Great,” 540-604)
• WroteWrote Commentary on Job,Commentary on Job, in which hein which he
refers to Hebrews 12:6 as “Scripture.”refers to Hebrews 12:6 as “Scripture.”
• Used the word Scripture for divinelyUsed the word Scripture for divinely
inspired writings in the New Testament.inspired writings in the New Testament.

28. Anselm of Canterbury
(1033-1109)
• In his famousIn his famous Cur Dues Homo?Cur Dues Homo? he statedhe stated
the orthodox view of inspiration.the orthodox view of inspiration.
• He wrote, “And the God-man himselfHe wrote, “And the God-man himself
originates in the NT and approves the Old.originates in the NT and approves the Old.
And, as we must acknowledge him to beAnd, as we must acknowledge him to be
true, so no one can dissent from anythingtrue, so no one can dissent from anything
contained in these books.”contained in these books.”

29. The Victorines
(Twelfth Century)
• The Victorines were noted ChristianThe Victorines were noted Christian
teachers in the Abbey of St. Victory inteachers in the Abbey of St. Victory in
Paris.Paris.
• Followed the historical and literalFollowed the historical and literal
approach to biblical interpretation.approach to biblical interpretation.
• Their respect for Scripture was based onTheir respect for Scripture was based on
the belief that the Bible is the divinelythe belief that the Bible is the divinely
inspired Word of God.inspired Word of God.

30. Thomas Aquinas
(1225-1274)
• God is the Author of ScriptureGod is the Author of Scripture
• God spoke through prophetsGod spoke through prophets
• The revelation of the Divine and human inThe revelation of the Divine and human in
Scripture: Humans are instruments ofScripture: Humans are instruments of
divine revelation and God can us andivine revelation and God can us an
imperfect instrument to utter a perfectimperfect instrument to utter a perfect
message.message.

31. Thomas Aquinas
(1225-1274)
• The inerrancy of Scripture. “It is heretical toThe inerrancy of Scripture. “It is heretical to
say that any falsehood whatsoever issay that any falsehood whatsoever is
contained in the gospels or in any canonicalcontained in the gospels or in any canonical
Scripture.” The Bible is so completely withoutScripture.” The Bible is so completely without
error that nothing is to be doubted.error that nothing is to be doubted.
• The superiority of Scripture. Agreed with laterThe superiority of Scripture. Agreed with later
Protestant principle ofProtestant principle of Sola Scriptura,Sola Scriptura, the Biblethe Bible
alone as the Word of God. Scripture has noalone as the Word of God. Scripture has no
peer. The Bible is superior to any other bookpeer. The Bible is superior to any other book
or person.or person.

32. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
• There was essential unity in the great
Fathers of the early and medieval church
on the nature of inspiration.
• Virtually all agreed that the Old and New
Testaments were the divinely authoritative
and verbally inspired Word of God, having
final authority for the faith and practice of
the church.